It's not unusual that the repeated high stress from high impact sports, such as basketball, football and running can lead to an injury. And since your feet take the brunt of the stress during vigorous sports training, foot injuries are among the most common injuries experienced by athletes. To avoid sports related injuries, athletes must practice careful training and conditioning. This also includes wearing the most appropriate footwear that offers your feet the best support and stability. Unless you are looking to bring your season to a halt quickly, foot pain should never be taken lightly. As soon as a problem arises, make an appointment with your podiatrist in Fall River for a careful evaluation and recommended treatment. A Pain in the Heel One very common and painful sports-related foot condition is plantar fasciitis- an inflammation and irritation of the band of tissue that extends from the heel along the arch of the foot. Of all athletes, runners experience plantar fasciitis the most, which makes running long distances extremely difficult and painful. Individuals with flat feet or those who over-pronate are also more susceptible to heel pain because of the increase stress on the heel. Generally, pain that accompanies plantar fasciitis is worse in the morning when you first wake up, but eases as you move about throughout the day. Rest, ice, inflammatory medications and stretching are often the best treatments for plantar fasciitis, although each case varies. You can also talk to your podiatrist in Fall River about specific exercises, stretches and shoe inserts that can alleviate the heel pain and treat the inflamed tissue. Stress Fractures Stress fractures are usually the result of overtraining and repeated stress on a hard surface over time. Most stress fractures occur in the bones in the front of the foot that attach to the toes-the metatarsal bones. The best way to treat a stress fracture is rest. This involves taking an extended time-out- usually six to eight weeks- from your sport to allow the bone to fully heal. Failing to provide an adequate amount of time for the fracture to repair itself could result in more fractures and other serious foot, leg and ankle problems in the future. It is often difficult to differentiate between a sprained ankle and a stress fracture, therefore an x-ray and exam from your Fall River podiatrist is generally necessary. Ankle Sprains A sprained ankle means you've torn tissue- a muscle, tendon or ligament- and usually occurs following a sudden, unnatural twisting movement of the foot. The severity of a sprain will depend on the extent of stretching and tearing of ligaments. How severe the tear is will determine how long it takes for your ankle to heal- sometimes up to several months. When a sprain first occurs there will likely be chronic ankle pain. The ankle will swell and possible discoloration may occur. The RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) procedure should be administered right away for an ankle sprain. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments. If you're prone to ankle sprains, avoid running on uneven terrain and wear firm, supportive footwear for improved stability. Unfortunately ankle sprains are often recurring. Your podiatrist in Fall River can determine the severity of your sprain and the necessary course of treatment, including exercises to strengthen weak ankles that are susceptible to sprains. Easy Tips for Avoiding Foot Injuries Most sport-related injuries are caused by overuse, improper footwear or poor training. In order to help prevent these injuries from occurring: Stretch. Warm up properly before you exercise, run or begin playing a sport Use caution. Pay attention when walking or running on an uneven surface Support your feet. Wear shoes that offer adequate support for your foot and are designed for your specific sport Build strength. Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility with proper stretching and exercising Don't rush. Start any new exercise program slowly, and progress gradually. Don't exercise too hard or too long Play it safe. If you experience pain, remember to rest. Never ignore symptoms and signs of an injury. It's not normal to experience foot pain, so exercise caution when training in order to prevent serious injury. When pain is persistent, visit your Fall River podiatrist for an examination. Your podiatrist will be able to determine the source of your pain and give you the treatment you need to get back in the game as soon as possible.
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